Former NY Senator James Buckley, a Nixon critic, passes away at 100

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In recent news, former New York Senator James Buckley, a prominent figure in American politics, has passed away at the age of 100. Buckley, known for his role in advocating for President Richard Nixon’s resignation and his successful lawsuit challenging campaign spending limits, died at a hospital in Washington, D.C., according to his son David Buckley.

Born on March 9, 1923, in New York City, James Buckley was the fourth of 10 children in a wealthy family. He was also the older brother of the renowned conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr., who passed away in 2008. James Buckley’s passing marks the end of an era, as he was the last surviving sibling among the 10.

Buckley made significant contributions to American politics during his tenure as a senator. In 1970, he made history as the sole Conservative Party candidate to win statewide office in New York, securing the U.S. Senate seat with 39% of the vote. His victory was attributed to the split in the moderate vote between Republican Senator Charles Goodell and Democratic Representative Richard Ottinger.

His younger brother, William F. Buckley Jr., referred to James as “the sainted junior senator from New York” and praised his win as the embodiment of counterrevolutionary ideals. James Buckley, who identified as both a Republican and Conservative, represented New York in the Senate for one term before losing to Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan in 1976.

Aside from his political career, Buckley is best remembered for his involvement in a landmark court case on campaign finance. In 1976, the Supreme Court ruled on Buckley v. Valeo, a case in which Buckley served as the plaintiff. The court invalidated mandatory limits on candidate spending, deeming them a violation of the First Amendment. However, it upheld Congress’s authority to impose restrictions on campaign contributions.

Buckley’s political courage was evident in his call for President Nixon’s resignation in 1974. He urged Nixon to step down in order to save the office of the presidency and extricate the nation from the Watergate scandal. Despite being a lifelong Republican and an active supporter of Nixon, Buckley believed it was his duty to act in the best interest of his country, constituents, and personal convictions.

Described as a statesman of the highest order, Buckley’s dedication to conservative values, the Constitution, and America set him apart. Although he was not reelected due to his principled stance, Buckley’s impact on American politics and his unwavering commitment to his beliefs were widely recognized.

After his defeat in 1976, Buckley moved to Connecticut and ran for a Senate seat there in 1980. However, he was defeated by Democrat Christopher Dodd. Following the election, then-President Ronald Reagan appointed Buckley as an undersecretary of state from 1981 to 1982.

Buckley’s contributions extended beyond politics. From 1982 to 1985, he served as the president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Later, he was appointed as a federal appeals court judge in Washington. One of his notable decisions on the appeals court was the setting aside of a $50 million punitive damages award against Korean Air Lines in a case related to the Soviet Union’s shooting down of a KAL jetliner in 1983.

In 1996, Buckley stepped down from the bench, and his position was ultimately filled by John Roberts, who now serves as the Chief Justice of the United States.

James Buckley is survived by his six children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His wife, Ann, passed away in 2011.

The passing of James Buckley marks the end of an era in American politics. His contributions as a senator, his role in landmark court cases, and his unwavering commitment to his principles have left a lasting impact on the nation. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a champion of conservative values, and a respected statesman..